One of the things I love most about being a realtor here in Billings is getting to walk alongside people through every stage of homeownership—not just buying and selling, but helping make sense of the not-so-fun stuff too (yes… property taxes 😅). I wanted to share an important update that could really matter for many Montana homeowners.

Starting in 2026, Montana is making changes to property taxes that are designed to bring REAL RELIEF to homeowners and certain long-term rental property owners. While it’s still a bit down the road, this is something worth having on your radar now.

HERE’S THE SCOOP:

TAX RELIEF FOR PRIMARY HOMES & LONG-TERM RENTALS

Beginning in the 2026 TAX YEAR, Montana will introduce REDUCED PROPERTY TAX RATES for:

• PRIMARY RESIDENCES (HOMESTEADS)

• QUALIFYING LONG-TERM RENTAL PROPERTIES rented for AT LEAST 28 DAYS PER TENANT and SEVEN OR MORE MONTHS EACH YEAR

YOU MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED

If you claimed a PROPERTY TAX REBATE LAST YEAR, you’re already ahead of the game. As long as you STILL OWN AND LIVE IN YOUR HOME, you’ll be AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED for the new reduced homestead tax rate in 2026—NO EXTRA PAPERWORK REQUIRED.

TIERED TAX RATES BASED ON HOME VALUE

The new system introduces TIERED TAX RATES, meaning your tax rate will be adjusted based on your home’s value. For many homeowners, this could mean LOWER TAXES AND MORE BREATHING ROOM IN YOUR BUDGET.

IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW

If you’re NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED, applications will be open:

DECEMBER 1, 2025 – MARCH 1, 2026

It’s important to CONFIRM YOUR PROPERTY QUALIFIES and submit any required paperwork ON TIME.

WHY I’M SHARING THIS

I know taxes aren’t exactly exciting—but they matter. And changes like this can make a MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE OVER TIME. My goal is to help you feel INFORMED, CONFIDENT, AND SUPPORTED as a homeowner here in Montana.

If you’re wondering HOW THIS APPLIES TO YOUR HOME, a rental property, or even a future purchase, I’m always happy to talk it through or help point you in the right direction.

For all the official details, you can visit the MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE’S OFFICIAL PAGE by clicking here.

Thank you, as always, for trusting me as a resource. I’m grateful to get to work with such an incredible community—and I’m here whenever you need me.